Back-to-school allowance (ARS)

Your child has received or will receive this document in the folder he or she brings home from school:

What is it?

The « Back-to-school allowance » is an aid from the City of Geneva to help families buy what their children need for school (school supplies, clothes, school bag, etc.). It is delivered via a credit card worth CHF 130.- (primary-school children) or CHF 180.- (children attending cycle d’orientation), allowing you to buy school-related items in certain stores.

For whom?

All children who live in the City of Geneva, with or without a permit, who go to school in the City of Geneva (primary school or highschool), and whose parents meet the income-related criteria.

Important : you live in the City of Geneva if your postal code is between 1201 and 1209, or 1227 Les Acacias.

Families living in other areas are not eligible for this allowance.

If you have a file at CCSI, you can ask for an appointment with us so that we can help you to request it. On the day of your appointment, please bring a copy of the 2023 health insurance subsidy, and your valid passports. The deadline to request it is the end of October 2023.


Primary school, registration
How and when to register your child in primary school
Parascolaire (GIAP) and school meals
Parascolaire looks after children in primary school at lunchtime and after school (4-6 pm), during the school year
Activities for children and holiday camps
How to find an activity for your child, during the school year or for the holidays
Children, other useful information
Public transport, play areas, public libraries, culture…